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Uhh, guys, is a beauty contest between two androids really necessary?

Remember Asuna and Junco Chihara, two entries in Japan’s race to create the most hyperreal android ever? Despite their lifelike appearances compared to many other robots out there, some people still aren’t able to get past the “uncanny valley” phenomenon as a result of their unnatural facial movements.

Enter Jia Jia (佳佳), an android whose facial features were specifically arranged to represent a classical Chinese beauty. Developed by a team of researchers at the University of Science and Technology of China in Heifei, China over a period of three years, she is able to interact with people, reads people’s facial expressions, and is, apparently, quite adept at giving compliments (or shameless flattery, depending how you see it):

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Jia Jia recently made an appearance in Chinese-style dress at the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos Forum, held from June 26-28 in Tianjin, China. She appeared alongside Toshiba’s Aiko Chihara (地平アイこ), who is the “older sister android” of the aforementioned Junco. Unsurprisingly, it didn’t take long for the internet masses to begin comparing Jia Jia with her Japanese counterpart in the looks department:

▼ Jia Jia

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▼ Aiko

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Overall, online commenters tended to declare Jia Jia the more beautiful of the two; however, unlike Jia Jia, Aiko is able to change her facial expressions to mirror human emotions to a greater degree. With 43 pneumatic actuators built into her design, Aiko is also capable of a greater number of body movements. It seems like a classic scenario of “beauty vs. brains,” if you ask us!

Check out this short snippet from the Summer Davos Forum for a glimpse at both Jia Jia and Aiko in action:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QI_jcgyNcS8&feature=youtu.be

Regardless of which non-sentient being ultimately “wins” the contest, we’re looking forward to seeing Jia Jia and Aiko showcase their skills at future conventions and other forums.

Source: China Internet Information Center via Kinisoku
Images: YouTube/otoWow!